Antibacterial treatment and cleaning of the existing split system should be performed annually. To clarify: we are talking about internal modules that are operated in your home, and office units need to be washed even more often. The outdoor unit is serviced as it gets dirty, but at least once every 2 years. Let's figure out how you can clean your home air conditioner without calling a service master, that is, with your own hands.
Why more frequent service is profitable
Unlike the old climate technology, modern split systems are able not only to cool, but also to heat the air. Therefore, the owners of apartments and private houses often use them until the street temperature drops below -5 ° C. Accordingly, the main elements of the air conditioner - filters, heat exchangers and fans become dirty twice as fast. In favor of timely service, there are other good arguments:
- To your health. It is exposed to the harmful effects of fungi and mold, settling and actively multiplying inside a too dusty unit. A sign is an unpleasant musty smell.
- Dirt accumulated in the external and internal radiator prevents the normal passage of air flow, which reduces the efficiency of the entire installation. With a constant return of heat or cold, more electricity is consumed.
- It is one thing to wash every season, and quite another to clean and antibacterial treatment of a heavily contaminated indoor module. You will do the first one yourself, and for the second you will have to call a master with specialized equipment (high pressure washer, steam generator), which will cost you a pretty penny.
Note. Reducing the efficiency of any refrigeration machine leads to an increase in the load on the compressor - the most expensive part. It turns out that heat exchangers clogged with dirt bring closer the moment of its repair, or even replacement.
It makes no sense to develop the topic of harmful microorganisms living inside dirty air conditioners and harming people's health, since this fact has long been known to everyone. But to find out how much it costs in your region to professionally clean split systems with will be useful. After all, if the evaporator has not been washed for several years, then calling a specialist becomes inevitable.
Comparative example. The cost of a comprehensive cleaning of household air conditioning systems with a power of up to 5 kW lies in the range of 2-3 thousand rubles. (35-53 c.u.). These are Moscow prices, in the regions they may be lower. If you wash the split with your own hands, then you can easily keep within 5, maximum - 10 cu. e., which you spend to buy a cleaner. Agree, self-prevention is much more profitable than after-sales service.
In the photo - applying Bizol washing foam (price - about 6 USD) Simple foam rinse
This method of removing dirt from the room module is very simple and accessible to everyone, including housewives. It is carried out using detergents sold in aerosol cans (Liqui Moly, Plak, Bizol and the like). The technology is like this:
- Disconnect the machine from the mains, open the lid and remove the filters. Rinse them with running water and leave to dry.
- Apply foam from the can to the fins of the evaporator and hold for the time specified in the instructions (from 10 to 30 minutes).
- Install the filters and turn on the split system in heating or ventilation mode (depending on the recommendations on the can) and let it work for half an hour. Ventilate the room.
How foam cleaning of the air conditioner is carried out at home is clearly demonstrated in the video:
Unfortunately, this method cannot be called effective, because it allows you to wash only the heat exchanger. The fan turbine, the drain pan and the cavities of the apparatus remain dirty. Therefore, further we propose to consider how to properly clean the blocks of a split system, after disassembling it first.
How to disassemble and clean the indoor unit
The cleaning process is proposed to be considered on the example of the Korean split Daewoo with a capacity of 18 kBTU or 5.3 kW. What is required for work:
- flat and Phillips screwdriver;
- Carlyclean alkaline cleaner or similar in a container with a hand sprayer;
- a special polyethylene cover with a drain for water, made to fit the dimensions of the room module;
- rubber gloves;
- another hand sprayer to flush out the cleaner.
For reference. A single dose of Carlyclean can be ordered from any specialized online store for about $3. e. Covers are also sold there that protect the walls from drips (the cost is about 2 USD). If you wish, you can solder such a device from a plastic film yourself.
The location of the fastening screws To thoroughly clean and disinfect all parts of the indoor module, you need to disassemble it in the following order:
Note. Split systems from other manufacturers are disassembled in approximately the same order. The differences are in the way the panels are attached, the number of blinds and the placement of the display.
Cover with drain prevents wallpaper from splashing If you are servicing a home air conditioner for the first time, the disassembly procedure will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. This gives you access to the fan turbine and the cavity behind it, which also needs to be cleaned. Then everything is simple: pull the cover over the module, slipping its edges between the wall and the case, then proceed to clean the “split”:
- Put on rubber gloves and carefully apply the cleaning liquid to the heat exchanger, fan drum and internal cavities. At the same time, rotate the turbine with your free hand.
- After 5-10 minutes, take a water spray and rinse off the product along with the dirt. You need to spray until clean water runs out of the block.
- Wait until all the water has drained from the indoor unit, then remove the cover and let the machine dry.
- Wash the removed panel, tray and filters, dry them. At the same time, try not to wet the foam seals. After drying, the air conditioner can be collected.
This is what the turbine and heat exchanger look like after flushing Advice. It is better to start the assembly the next day so that all the parts have time to dry thoroughly. Our video will tell you how to properly disassemble and clean the indoor unit of a split system:
Instructions for cleaning the outdoor unit
The main difficulty in maintaining an outdoor unit is its location. If it is installed on the wall of a high-rise building on the side of the window opening, then it is better to refuse to clean it yourself, unless you live on the first floor. It is safer to work when the capacitor is placed in such places:
- on a non-glazed balcony or loggia;
- on the wall of a private house where you can attach a ladder;
- under the window of the apartment.
The disassembly and cleaning procedure itself is quite simple and is performed in the following sequence:
For reference. The electronics and compressor installed in the outdoor unit are separated from the condenser by a partition, so you can safely apply the product and rinse it off with water.
Flushing is carried out from 2 sides - external and internal Turning on the cooler is also better to postpone for a day, so that the seals have time to dry. How to clean the outdoor module of the air conditioner is shown in the video:
Conclusion
The described self-cleaning technology is suitable for split systems that have not had time to get very dirty. After watching the video, you will see how easy it is to wash the parts of a cooler that has worked 1-2 years since the last service. If, upon opening, you find a decent layer of dirt, then it is better to contact the service workshop for the first time. Its specialists will thoroughly clean the air conditioner and perform antibacterial steam treatment, and you will take care of further washings.
Practice shows that after buying and installing an air conditioner, people use the device, but forget about the need for its periodic maintenance. The question of prevention or repair is raised in the event of a breakdown or the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
This approach is erroneous, because it leads to a decrease in the service life of the equipment, additional costs for restoration and other problems.
The way out of the situation is the periodic preventive maintenance of the air conditioner, taking into account the recommendations of specialists. Below we will consider how to properly perform this work, and in what sequence to proceed.
Why is it worth doing prevention?
Prolonged use of the device leads to the accumulation of dust and grease on its elements. This applies to the heat exchanger, filter unit, fan and the inside of the housing. As a result, fungi and bacteria appear, which, together with the air flow, enter the room, and then into the lungs of a person, negatively affecting his health.
Pollution of the nodes has a bad effect on its operation. If you do not do prevention, after a while the process of updating the air in the room worsens, the load on the device and the electrical network increases.
In addition, not only the internal, but also the external block of the device suffers. A layer of fluff appears on it, due to which the operation of the heat exchanger is disrupted and the process of cooling the refrigerant worsens. As a result, the air conditioner operates with less efficiency.
To prolong the life of the equipment and avoid health problems, it is important to clean the air conditioner in a timely manner and disinfect the elements.
Prevention period
The frequency of cleaning the device depends on its purpose. For example, the filter elements of air conditioners for home use are recommended to be cleaned every six months. If we are talking about office equipment, the frequency of work is once every three months.
If installed in a cafeteria, retail space or other public facilities, cleaning is done once a month.
The need for prevention is easy to determine by the smell that appears after turning on the equipment. An unpleasant "aroma" indicates the appearance of bacteria inside and the need to remove them.
Masters note that in the process of maintenance, mucus and various fungi are often found inside. That is why it is so important not to delay the repair and call the master to carry out the work.
Signs of heavy pollution
The air conditioner, as a rule, itself “tells” the owner about the need for preventive maintenance. The main signs of pollution include:
- The appearance of a leak from the internal module;
- Unpleasant smell that occurs after switching on (this was mentioned above);
- Increased noise, crackling or unstable sound;
- Poor cooling quality, spontaneous temperature change.
Any of the listed symptoms is enough to proceed with the revision of the apparatus and the cleaning of its elements. If the need for preventive maintenance is neglected, the risk of failure of certain parts and the inability to use the equipment increases. In such a situation, you can not do without calling specialists and additional costs.
Practice shows that many issues related to the maintenance of the air conditioner can be solved at home. In this case, a special tool is not needed.
In addition, useful information on the maintenance of a particular model is given in the instructions. It shows the scheme for removing the indoor unit, as well as the basic principles of cleaning.
What is assessed during the examination?
Air conditioner service technicians recommend that you inspect the unit regularly. The more often this happens, the better.
The main points to which attention is drawn are:
- The tightness of the freon circuit;
- The appearance of the oil inside the compressor unit.
- The presence of a freon leak;
- No breaks in the circuit due to which moisture can enter the system.
Pay attention to the integrity of the wires through which power is supplied, and the quality of the broach of the contacts. Just in case, tighten all the mounting screws. Remember that all work is carried out with the air conditioner turned off.
Steps for cleaning the indoor unit
If the climate system has just been purchased, installed and is constantly running, preventive maintenance is carried out every 30 days. The main activities include flushing the fan and filter mesh, as well as cleaning the evaporator, radiator and drainage system.
As noted above, the absence of such work leads to the accumulation of dust, excessive heating and increased noise of the device. Let's look at how to prevent this below.
Cleaning fans and filter screens
A mesh filter is mounted inside, which is easy to remove and inspect. For dismantling, it is required to disconnect the equipment from the household network and dismantle the front cover by unscrewing the fixing screws.
Now it remains to remove the mesh from the air conditioner, soak it in soapy water or a special agent, and then leave it for a while.
The next step is to flush the fan that moves cold air. During operation, a thick layer of dust, debris and grease accumulates on the blades of the product.
Fans are of two types - with the possibility of dismantling and non-removable. In the latter case, cleaning is done with a brush. This is not very convenient, but it allows you to remove excess pollution.
To prevent a removable fan, you need to lower it into soapy water, hold it in it for a while, then remove it and return it to its place.
Prevention of the radiator and heat exchanger
In most models, the heat exchanger and radiator are mounted in the indoor unit. For high-quality cleaning, it is recommended to dismantle and disassemble the unit, and then proceed to cleaning work.
This is an expensive process, so you can save money on it and do the work yourself.
Here is a step by step guide:
To avoid contamination of the heat exchanger plates, it is recommended to act promptly and clean every 30 days. It is best to do the work in combination with washing the filter.
Drain cleaning and disinfection
The air conditioner has a drainage system consisting of 2 units:
- Tray - designed to collect excess moisture;
- Tube - with its help water is discharged.
The accumulation of dust and its interaction with moisture leads to the appearance of mold, fungi and bacteria, and the main result is the appearance of an unpleasant odor when turned on.
After dust and debris enter the drainage system, these elements are contaminated. After a while, the air conditioner starts to drip.
For prevention, it is required to discard the pallet from the board and the outlet tube, and then remove and rinse in water.
Cleaning of the drainage system pipe is carried out using a conventional vacuum cleaner or a compressor in the purge mode. To flush the channel, running water, a soapy composition or a special cleaning agent are used.
In difficult cases, mold and fungus have already spread through the system, so a mold and fungus agent is required to remove dirt. Special attention should be paid to the processing of the pallet, because often it is he who is the main source of stench.
Method of application of special means
To prevent the heat exchanger, a special foam is used. To process the assembly, shake off the can several times, then process the finned part of the heat exchanger.
After some time, the foam turns into a liquid, and the pollution goes into the drainage system. Next, you need to turn on the air conditioner to dry the treated parts. Detailed instructions on how to use the foam cleaner are given on the can with the product.
If you use the product in the form of a spray, you need to spray it on a number of elements - the intake deflector and the heat exchanger.
In the process of preventive maintenance, it is worth turning on the device and switching it to ventilation mode. Information about the features of the use of the product can be found on the packaging.
How it works?
The principle of operation of the cleaner will directly be from the active components that are in its composition.
As a rule, products contain:
- Surfactants (surfactants). Their task is to clean the surface.
- Fragrances and elements that ensure the "sticking" of the detergent to the units of the air conditioner.
- Special additives (alkaline, acid, chlorine-alcohol).
- Biologically active elements designed to control pests inside the apparatus.
Outdoor unit cleaning steps
Unlike the indoor unit, the outdoor unit can be cleaned with less frequency - twice a year is enough. It accumulates foliage from trees, branches, dirt, fluff and much more. If you do not clean the outdoor unit, the risk of overheating of the radiator and compressor increases, as well as reducing their service life.
The difficulty is that access to the module is not always possible. Despite the installation of the outdoor unit near a window or balcony, it is not always possible to get to it without a safety belt and special equipment.
If you do not want to risk your life, you should call specialists.
If there are no difficulties with prevention, do the following:
- Turn off the power of the device (remove the plug from the mains).
- Remove various contaminants from the surface.
- Remove the protective housing and clean the inside of debris.
- Clean the fan blades with a damp cloth.
- Clean the radiator with a steam cleaner or a jet of water. Be careful not to get moisture on the electrical part of the device.
How to check the tightness of the freon housing?
One of the malfunctions of the air conditioner is the loss of tightness of the circuit with freon. If preventive measures are taken in time and the problem is detected, it is possible to avoid additional costs in the future and “save” the climate system.
The complexity of the situation depends on a number of factors - the volume of the released refrigerant, the location of the damage, the time from the moment the leak appeared to its detection, as well as the mode of operation of the device.
In the general case, a refrigerant leak leads to a number of unpleasant consequences, first of all, to overheating of the compressor.
This problem is diagnosed by the following signs:
- Darkening of the thermal insulation of the compressor;
- Overheating protection trips from time to time;
- 5 minutes after switching on, cold or warm air does not come out (taking into account the set mode);
- Damage to the insulation on the pipeline;
- Deterioration of the oil;
- Appearance of frost on the tube of the outdoor unit (during continuous operation).
If damage to the circuit is detected in a timely manner and preventive measures are taken, serious leaks and breakdowns can be avoided. As a rule, the reason for the appearance of a leak is a decrease in the density of the roller joints. This problem is easy to identify if you monitor the condition of the air conditioner.
How to detect the appearance of moisture in the freon circuit?
To determine the fact of the appearance of moisture in the freon circulation circuit, it is worth paying attention to a number of characteristic features:
- The appearance of a green tint in the oil and increased acidity (confirmed by the test). The downside is that such a symptom appears already when the problem is running.
- When the climate system switches to heating mode when the temperature is low outside, thermal protection is activated. This is due to the presence of water in the system, its freezing and clogging of the tube. As a result, the suction pressure drops and the compressor overheats dramatically. In such a situation, you need to turn off the air conditioner and contact the repairmen.
Express oil analysis
Few people know, but in the process of prevention, you yourself can do an express analysis of the oil that circulates in the freon circuit along with the refrigerant.
If we consider the process as a whole, first a little oil is taken from the compressor, then it is checked and compared with known pure oil.
- Turn off the air conditioner and wait 10 or more minutes for the oil to drain from the walls of the pipes.
- Connect a one-fourth ball valve to the service outlet.
- Put a rubber tube on the faucet, the second end of which is lowered into the container.
- Drain a small amount of oil and let it stand until the foam goes away.
- Pour the collected composition into a clean container.
The resulting oil must be compared with a known pure liquid. Criteria for comparison - smell and shade.
If the oil is dark and stinks, this indicates that the compressor is frequently overheating. Such a fluid no longer performs its functions and needs to be replaced. If you do not do the work on time, the device will fail.
The presence of a greenish color indicates the appearance of "copper" salts, which is explained by the appearance of moisture in the circuit. An acid test is recommended for accurate diagnosis.
If the "diagnosis" is confirmed, the device requires prophylaxis. This cannot be done at home - you need to take the device to the workshop.
If the test results are positive, the liquid is returned back:
- Pour the oil into a clean, high-sided glass.
- Mark the level.
- Dip the free end of the tube into it (it was connected earlier).
- Open the valve and wait a while.
- Add as much oil as is in the glass.
- Start the air conditioner and enter the cooling mode, then close the liquid port. After some time, the pressure in the tube will decrease.
- Open the valve of the port to suck oil into the air conditioner. As soon as the level reaches the mark made, turn off the tap and turn off the climate system. At the same time open the liquid port.
Cleaning products - overview, instructions for use
There is a wide range of products for the prevention of air conditioners on the market, which are worthy of attention and perfectly cope with the task. Let's highlight some of them.
DOMO
Disinfectant for the prevention of air conditioners and ventilation systems with antibacterial action.
- Cleaning and disinfection.
- Formation of a film on the surface of the air ducts (evaporator).
- Removal of bacteria and fungi, which eliminates the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Regular use of the product can reduce the risk of developing allergic diseases and other respiratory problems due to bacteria that appear inside.
The product is sold in cans with a capacity of 0.32 liters. The composition includes water, organic solvent, surfactants (cationic and non-ionic), odor absorber, antimicrobial elements, corrosion inhibitors, fragrance and hydrocarbon gas propellant.
To use DOMO, you need to do the following:
- Turn off the air conditioning system, open the cover and remove the strainers.
- Shake off the can and apply the product for 10-15 minutes on the evaporator, and after 3-5 minutes turn on the air conditioner.
Favor Cool
Favorkul is a product intended for disinfection and cleaning of ventilation systems and air conditioners. The product is suitable for removing mold, fungus, germs and dust. Regular use helps to remove unpleasant odors and clean internal elements from contamination.
In addition, Favorkul is used for air ducts and disinfection of air conditioners in cars, as well as for air purification in a room.
Used at home and in the industrial field. Capacity - 0.5 l. Judging by the reviews, the product perfectly copes with the task.
TOP House
The TOP House cleaner was developed by German craftsmen and is produced in Germany. Appointment - prevention of external and internal blocks. Also, the product is used to remove contaminants in split systems, air filters, as well as cleaning fans and guides.
A feature of the product is the absence of a negative effect on the surface layer in the heat exchanger tubes. Volume - 0.75 l.
Advantages:
- In the production process, a formula developed by leading manufacturers in Europe is used;
- Protection against dust settling;
- Powerful antiseptic effect;
- Refreshing the surface;
- Antibacterial effect.
Techpoint
One of the most powerful air conditioner cleaners is Teechpoint. The product is produced in Russia, supplied in 200 ml plastic bottles.
The composition is intended for preventive treatment of air conditioners (including automobiles), split systems, ventilation. The main function is to disinfect the surface for up to 8 months.
After processing, bacteria, viruses and mold are removed, which often leads to the appearance of diseases and has an unpleasant odor.
Techpoint contains water, glycols, surfactants, QAS, solvents, isopropanol, complexing agents and dye. Also added are the secret components of the company, flavoring and coloring.
Spray Cleaner Disinfectant (RTU)
The composition of Cleaner Disinfecant is used for prevention (periodic maintenance) of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The agent is sprayed onto the coil from top to bottom.
According to the manufacturer, the spray keeps the internal components of the climate system clean and removes up to 99.9% of microbes within 60 seconds.
The cleaning agent is supplied in a special 1 liter container, which is ready for use. A manual sprayer is provided. The product is based on an alkaline composition.
Indesit C00093751
The Indesit C00093751 cleaner is in great demand and has earned positive feedback from many users. This product is used to disinfect air conditioning systems installed in a house or car.
Its action is aimed at neutralizing unpleasant odors, removing fungi, dust and dirt that accumulate on the internal elements of the device.
With the help of Indesit C00093751, you can clean the air conditioner yourself and without the involvement of specialists. The composition is sold in cans with a capacity of 150 ml.
Magic Power MP-028
If you need a reliable and effective agent for disinfection and prevention of air conditioners, Magic Power MP-028 is the best option. The product cleans, disinfects and deodorizes the treated surface.
Thanks to a thoughtful composition, the spray prevents the growth of dangerous microorganisms, destroys mold, fungi and bacteria. After prevention with the help of Magic Power MP-028, an unpleasant odor is also removed.
How to prepare the system for winter or summer?
Prevention of the air conditioner is the cleaning and disinfection of its elements. It is important to tie your actions to a specific season. Regardless of whether the system is adapted to the winter period, there are a number of limitations that must be taken into account during operation.
For example, each manufacturer indicates the temperature below which it is not recommended to turn on the device due to the risk of leaks and ice on the outdoor unit.
When preparing climate equipment for the summer, it is necessary to clean the inside, because a lot of dust has accumulated inside during use. In addition, the fan and filters are cleaned, as well as the evaporator.
Pay attention to the outdoor unit, because poplar fluff appears in May, and the situation will only get worse.
Remember that timely care prolongs the life of the device and its life.
Air conditioning prevention is a set of actions, many of which can be done independently and without calling specialists. So, cleaning and processing the indoor unit takes no more than an hour and is quietly performed without the use of a special tool. But there are situations when masters are indispensable.
For example, when it is necessary to clean the outdoor unit using safety belts or to analyze the oil in the compressor.
In addition, every year the amount of refrigerant in the system is reduced by 7%. The reserve must be replenished, and for this you will have to turn to professionals.
To extend the life of the split system and avoid problems, it is important to periodically clean the device yourself, and if serious problems are identified, call specialists.
Knowing how to clean the air conditioner yourself, you can significantly save on the maintenance of climate equipment. Can all elements - evaporator, radiator and fan - be washed at home? The answer to this question depends on the design of the split system and the degree of pollution. In order to prevent a large accumulation of dirt and the formation of a greasy film, you need to clean the equipment at home as often as indicated in the instructions, then you do not have to remove the air conditioner and do a deep cleaning at the service center.
How often should the air conditioner be cleaned?
Manufacturers of climate control equipment indicate in the technical documentation how often it needs to be cleaned. It should be noted that different elements are serviced at different intervals. Most often it is necessary to clean the air (dust) nets, as they accumulate dust, animal hair - any mechanical particles that are in the air of the apartment. The frequency of cleaning here depends on the general pollution in the room, but it should be done at least once a month.
Other components of the split system also need regular maintenance. It is recommended to perform it approximately once every 6-12 months, depending on the intensity of the system. At home (not in industrial conditions), it is quite enough to perform cleaning procedures once a year.
There are symptoms that indicate that the air conditioner is dirty:
- crackling or louder operation of the split system;
- gurgling or squelching sounds;
- an unpleasant smell that appears after turning on the air conditioner;
- water is dripping from the indoor unit.
Their appearance indicates that cleaning is not performed or is not carried out in full. With such manifestations, it is necessary to perform complex processing. It can be done at home, on your own or with the help of specialists.
What needs to be cleaned in the indoor and outdoor units?
The air conditioner (split system) consists of two blocks - internal, located in the room, and external - located on the outer wall of the house.
The indoor unit contains:
- filters;
- fan;
- radiator and heat exchanger (evaporator);
- drainage system (bath and channel).
The condenser and compressor are placed in the external unit, but there is also a heat exchanger and a fan, which also need regular maintenance, as fluff, leaves, wool and dust get there.
Air filters
Filters (dust screens) must be cleaned frequently, as this prevents contaminants from entering other parts of the system. This is easy to do, and once figured out, any user at home can handle it. The filters are located immediately under the top cover and visually look like a fine mesh with plastic partitions. There can be from one to three in one block.
The procedure consists of several steps:
- turn off the power supply;
- lift the cover and fix it in the upper position;
- remove filters;
- clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner or brush and rinse under cold water;
- dry and reinstall.
Filters can be either flat or curved (drum type). It does not affect the cleaning method.
drainage system
The drainage system consists of two elements - a tray (tray), where liquid is collected from the heat exchanger, and a drainage tube - a channel through which liquid is removed from the house. In order to remove the drip tray, you must first remove the plastic casing of the indoor unit. It is attached with several self-tapping screws (mostly 3-4). Next, you need to remove the connector connecting the bath to the board, and disconnect it from the drain tube.
After that, the bath and the channel are cleaned. The bath is thoroughly washed under running water. The drainage channel is blown with a stream of air under pressure - a compressor or a vacuum cleaner working for blowing is connected to the drainage pipe. Next, you need to pump chlorhexidine (400 ml) into the canal and wait 10-15 minutes. After that, the channel is blown again.
To check whether it was possible to completely clean the drainage system at home, pour 1.5 liters of water to check. If there are no leaks, the cleaning is well done.
Fan
The fan can be cleaned in two ways. The first one is less effective, but it is suitable for those whose model and mount of the air conditioner do not allow removing the impeller (fan drum) and performing a full cleaning.
- After removing the filter, you need to blow dry dust with a vacuum cleaner turned on for blowing, or with compressed air from a can.
- Apply a soapy solution to the drum blades with a long-haired brush. To process all surfaces, the drum must be turned by hand. As a washing solution, you can use any dishwashing detergent or laundry soap.
- 5 minutes after applying the composition, you need to turn on the air conditioner, having previously laid a film under the diffuser grille. This will blow all the dirt out.
You can additionally treat the blades with an antibacterial agent. There are plenty of cleaners on the market today designed specifically for climate control systems.
In most models of air conditioners, it is possible to remove the impeller. In this case, it can be immersed completely in a soapy solution, and then rinsed with a strong stream of water and thoroughly treated with a disinfectant.
The removal sequence is as follows.
- Unscrew the front panel.
- Carefully remove the drain pan so as not to spill the liquid contained there. In this case, it must be disconnected from the board (remove the connector) and from the drain hose.
- Rotate the drum until the locking screw is visible. It is located at the junction of the drum with the motor (one blade is missing there).
- Remove the screw by carefully bending the evaporator.
- After cleaning the drum, the assembly is carried out in the reverse order.
Incorrect removal of the impeller can damage the air conditioner. This procedure is recommended only for people familiar with the technique.
Radiator and heat exchanger
At home, the radiator and evaporator can only be cleaned superficially without removing them. Deep cleaning is carried out in service centers with the removal of the indoor unit, and then reinstallation. The cost of such a procedure is considerable, so it is better to regularly carry out maintenance yourself in order to prevent a strong accumulation of dirt on the elements of the air conditioner.
Step-by-step instruction
- Remove the top cover, air filters and unscrew the front panel.
- Clean the radiator and evaporator with a long bristled brush. In this case, the movements should only be from top to bottom, otherwise the thin plates of the heat exchanger may be damaged.
- Pour 0.5 liters of antiseptic into a spray bottle, and switch the air conditioner to recirculation mode at the lowest possible temperature.
- Spray the antiseptic in the air intake area (not on the radiator itself, but near it).
If a dirt film has formed on the heat exchanger, it can be removed with a steam cleaner. Dry dust must first be removed with a brush, and after steam cleaning, perform an antiseptic treatment.
Outdoor unit
The outdoor unit is also prone to contamination, but there are practically no fat deposits. This simplifies the cleaning process.
- Turn off power.
- Remove protective cover.
- Remove large debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Rinse fan blades.
- Wash the radiator of the outdoor unit with a hose or with a steam generator. In this case, you need to ensure that water does not get into the electrical part of the unit.
Why contact a service center?
Although the radiator and fan of the indoor and outdoor units can be cleaned by yourself, this does not negate the service. When operating the air conditioner, even in the most ideal conditions, there is a loss of refrigerant (freon or freon). Normally, its amount decreases by 5-7% per year. If there is a depressurization of the circuit, then much more freon can leak out.
Any air conditioner has special filters that purify the air from dust, fluff, pet hair and more. Over time, these filters become clogged, which affects the operation of the air conditioner. First of all, bacteria begin to form in a humid environment, as a result of which mold and unpleasant odors occur. In addition, the radiator will be blown worse, which means the air will not be cooled properly. Regular filter cleaning will save you from all these problems.
Important! A dirty air conditioner can harm your health!
How often should the air conditioner be cleaned?
Do-it-yourself air conditioner cleaning
When cleaning the filters, do not forget about cleaning the air conditioner heat exchanger. It is located either immediately under the cover or behind the filter. It is quite possible to use a vacuum cleaner to clean the heat exchanger. True, sometimes dirt accumulates so much that the vacuum cleaner cannot completely remove it. In this case, you need to call specialists who will steam clean the air conditioner.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is the most difficult to clean, but it must be done at least once a year. If the block is not located very high and you can reach it yourself, then do the following:
Remove the protective grille of the air conditioner
Clean the inside of the unit with a vacuum cleaner
Reattach the protective grille
Do you know how to clean a window air conditioner? Keeping your air conditioner clean helps it work more efficiently. Follow the tips below to thoroughly clean your air conditioner.
Cleaning the window air conditioner
You will need:
- Screwdriver
- Dishwashing liquid
- A vacuum cleaner
- Blind cleaner
- Rag
- Bristle brush
- Wire
How to clean a window air conditioner:
- Disconnect the device from the network.
- Remove the front panel by unscrewing it with a screwdriver or removing it from the latches, depending on the design of the air conditioner.
- Take out the filter. If the filter is replaceable or very dirty, it is recommended to replace it. If the filter is washable, wash it with dishwashing liquid and warm water. If the filter is not washable, vacuum it thoroughly with a portable vacuum cleaner.
- Attach the appropriate attachment to your vacuum cleaner to clean all accessible surfaces.
- Allow the filter to dry completely before installing the filter in the air conditioner unit.
- If any of the metal curtains are bent, they will need to be straightened with a tool that can be found at a hardware store.
- Go to the outer surfaces, remove dust from them, not forgetting the grate. This will help keep the filter clean for as long as possible.
- Unscrew one of the outer panels of the device and remove any leaves and other debris that have fallen inside.
- If you can access the metal blades, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Make sure that the holes in the drain pan and drain tube are not clogged. If they are clogged, clean them with a piece of wire.
- Some window blocks are installed in a case with an open window. If you have such an enclosure, remove the block several times a year and remove any leaves or branches that have gathered in the enclosure.
- The filter should be cleaned in the spring and every month when the device is in use.
- The coil can only be flushed with water.
- Vacuum the coil with care. It can be bent very easily.
- Old devices may require lubrication. You can find out if your air conditioner requires annual lubrication in the instruction manual. If the instructions are not saved, contact the manufacturer or look for instructions on the Internet. Most new devices do not require lubrication.
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